Enema for poop. Enemas for Constipation Relief: Types, Benefits, and Risks Explained
What are the different types of enemas used for constipation. How do cleansing and retention enemas work. What are the potential benefits and risks of using enemas for bowel cleansing. When should you consider using an enema for constipation relief.
Understanding Enemas: Purpose and Function
Enemas are rectal injections of fluid designed to cleanse the colon and stimulate bowel movements. They have been utilized for centuries as a remedy for chronic constipation and to prepare patients for certain medical procedures. But how exactly do enemas work?
An enema introduces fluid into the rectum and lower colon, which helps to soften stool and stimulate peristalsis – the wave-like muscle contractions that move waste through the intestines. This action helps to relieve constipation by promoting bowel evacuation.
While enemas can be administered by healthcare professionals in clinical settings, many people also self-administer enemas at home using over-the-counter kits. However, it’s crucial to understand proper technique and potential risks before attempting to use an enema independently.
Common Reasons for Using Enemas
- Treating chronic constipation
- Preparing for colonoscopies or other lower GI procedures
- Cleansing the bowel before surgery
- Administering certain medications rectally
Types of Enemas: Cleansing vs. Retention
Enemas generally fall into two main categories: cleansing enemas and retention enemas. Each type serves a specific purpose and requires different administration techniques.
Cleansing Enemas
Cleansing enemas are designed to flush out the colon quickly. They typically use water-based solutions and are meant to be held for only a short period before being expelled along with loose stool and impacted fecal matter.
Can cleansing enemas provide immediate constipation relief? In many cases, yes. The introduction of fluid helps to soften stool and stimulate bowel movements, often providing quick relief from constipation symptoms.
Common Cleansing Enema Solutions:
- Water or saline solution
- Epsom salt mixture
- Sodium phosphate
- Lemon juice and water
- Apple cider vinegar and water
- Mild soap suds (e.g., castile soap)
Retention Enemas
Retention enemas are formulated to be held in the bowel for an extended period, typically at least 15 minutes. These enemas may be water- or oil-based and often contain additional ingredients intended to provide specific benefits.
Do retention enemas offer advantages over cleansing enemas? Retention enemas can be beneficial for certain conditions, as they allow more time for the solution to interact with the colon lining. This prolonged contact may enhance the absorption of medicinal ingredients or provide additional therapeutic effects.
Popular Retention Enema Types:
- Coffee enemas
- Mineral oil enemas
- Probiotic enemas
- Herbal enemas (e.g., garlic, catnip tea, red raspberry leaf)
The Science Behind Enemas: How They Relieve Constipation
Constipation occurs when the natural movement of stool through the intestines slows down, resulting in hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Enemas can provide relief by addressing several factors contributing to constipation.
How do enemas physically affect the colon? When fluid is introduced into the rectum and lower colon, it causes several physiological responses:
- Softening of stool: The added moisture helps to rehydrate hard, dry stools, making them easier to pass.
- Stimulation of peristalsis: The presence of fluid in the colon triggers muscle contractions that help move waste through the intestines.
- Lubrication: Some enema solutions, particularly those containing oils, can help lubricate the colon, facilitating the passage of stool.
- Irritation of the rectal lining: Certain enema solutions may mildly irritate the rectal lining, promoting a bowel movement reflex.
Is there scientific evidence supporting the use of enemas for constipation? While enemas have been used for centuries, modern research on their efficacy is somewhat limited. However, studies have shown that certain types of enemas can be effective for specific conditions, such as chronic constipation in elderly patients or preparing the bowel for medical procedures.
Potential Benefits of Enemas Beyond Constipation Relief
While the primary use of enemas is to alleviate constipation and cleanse the colon, some proponents claim additional health benefits. It’s important to note that many of these claims lack substantial scientific evidence and should be approached with caution.
Are there any proven health benefits of regular enema use? The most well-established benefits of enemas relate to their ability to relieve constipation and prepare the bowel for medical procedures. Other purported benefits require further research to confirm their validity.
Claimed Benefits of Enemas:
- Improved digestion and nutrient absorption
- Enhanced immune function
- Increased energy levels
- Relief from headaches and allergies
- Improved mental clarity and mood
- Detoxification of the body
It’s crucial to approach these claims critically and consult with a healthcare professional before using enemas for any purpose other than constipation relief or medical preparation.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Enema Use
While enemas can be effective for relieving constipation, they are not without risks. It’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and complications associated with enema use, especially when used frequently or improperly.
What are the most common side effects of enema use? Some individuals may experience mild discomfort, cramping, or bloating after using an enema. These effects are usually temporary and subside once the bowel movement is complete.
More Serious Risks of Enema Use Include:
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Dehydration
- Infection
- Bowel perforation (in rare cases)
- Damage to the rectal lining
- Disruption of normal gut flora
Can frequent enema use lead to dependence? Yes, overuse of enemas can potentially lead to a reliance on them for regular bowel movements. This dependence may interfere with the body’s natural ability to have bowel movements without assistance.
Safe Enema Administration: Tips and Precautions
If you’re considering using an enema, it’s crucial to follow proper administration techniques and safety precautions to minimize risks and maximize effectiveness.
How can you ensure safe enema use at home? Here are some essential tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional before starting regular enema use.
- Use sterile equipment and solutions to prevent infection.
- Follow the instructions provided with commercial enema kits carefully.
- Ensure the enema solution is at body temperature to avoid discomfort.
- Use a water-based lubricant to ease insertion of the enema tip.
- Maintain proper hygiene before, during, and after the procedure.
- Stop immediately if you experience pain or excessive discomfort.
Are there any specific precautions for different types of enemas? Yes, certain enema solutions may require additional precautions. For example, coffee enemas should use cooled, filtered coffee to prevent burns, while mineral oil enemas should be used sparingly to avoid interfering with nutrient absorption.
Alternatives to Enemas for Constipation Relief
While enemas can be effective for constipation relief, they are not always necessary or appropriate. There are several alternative methods and lifestyle changes that can help promote regular bowel movements and improve digestive health.
What are some natural alternatives to enemas for constipation relief? Consider these options:
- Increasing dietary fiber intake
- Staying well-hydrated
- Regular exercise
- Establishing a consistent bathroom routine
- Using a squatting position during bowel movements
- Trying over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners
- Practicing stress-reduction techniques
Can dietary changes alone effectively relieve chronic constipation? In many cases, yes. A diet rich in fiber, adequate hydration, and regular physical activity can significantly improve bowel regularity for many individuals. However, severe or persistent constipation may require additional interventions or medical evaluation.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While occasional constipation is common, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate an underlying health issue. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Constipation lasting more than three weeks
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
A medical professional can help determine the underlying cause of your constipation and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may or may not include enema use.
The Future of Colon Health: Emerging Research and Treatments
As our understanding of digestive health continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new approaches to managing constipation and promoting colon health. These advancements may provide alternatives or improvements to traditional treatments like enemas.
What new treatments for constipation are on the horizon? Some promising areas of research include:
- Targeted probiotic therapies
- Gut microbiome modulation
- Novel pharmaceutical compounds
- Neurostimulation techniques
- Personalized nutrition approaches
How might these advancements impact the use of enemas in the future? As more effective and less invasive treatments become available, the role of enemas in managing constipation may evolve. However, enemas are likely to remain a valuable tool for certain medical procedures and acute constipation relief.
The Importance of Holistic Digestive Health
While treatments like enemas can provide relief from constipation, maintaining overall digestive health is crucial for long-term well-being. This involves a comprehensive approach that considers diet, lifestyle, stress management, and regular medical check-ups.
By focusing on holistic digestive health, many individuals may find that they can reduce their reliance on interventions like enemas and enjoy improved bowel regularity naturally. However, for those who do require enemas, understanding their proper use and potential risks is essential for safe and effective treatment.
As research in gastrointestinal health progresses, we can expect to see more personalized and targeted approaches to managing constipation and other digestive issues. Until then, a balanced approach that combines lifestyle modifications with judicious use of treatments like enemas, under medical guidance when necessary, remains the best strategy for maintaining optimal colon health.
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Enemas are used to relieve constipation and cleanse the colon. Water- or saline-based enemas tend to carry the least risk. However, enemas can have side effects, such as disturbing your gut bacteria and affecting your body’s electrolyte balance.
Enemas are rectal injections of fluid intended to cleanse or stimulate the emptying of your bowel.
They have been used for hundreds of years to treat chronic constipation and prepare people for certain medical tests and surgeries (1).
Enemas can be administered by a medical professional or self-administered at home.
This article reviews different types of enemas, as well as their potential benefits and health concerns.
Constipation is a condition in which the natural movement of your stool slows down, making them hard, dry, and difficult to excrete. For many people, this can be a chronic problem that requires an intervention like an enema — or a laxative inserted rectally.
Enemas may also be prescribed to flush out your colon before certain diagnostic tests or surgeries. Your bowel needs to be empty before these procedures to reduce infection risk and prevent stool from getting in the way.
According to some enema advocates, when waste builds up in your colon over time, it leads to ailments like depression, fatigue, headaches, allergies, and irritability, and using enemas can provide relief.
While it’s true that many people with chronic constipation experience depression and other psychological symptoms, evidence is lacking to suggest that waste buildup directly leads to the other aforementioned effects (2, 3).
There are two main types of enemas — cleansing and retention.
Cleansing enemas
Cleansing enemas are water-based and meant to be held in the rectum for a short time to flush your colon. Once injected, they’re retained for a few minutes until your body rids itself of the fluid, along with loose matter and impacted stool in your bowel.
Some of the most common cleansing enemas include (3, 4):
- Water or saline. The least irritating of all options, water or saline — salt water that mimics your body’s sodium concentration — are used primarily for their ability to expand the colon and mechanically promote defecation.
- Epsom salt. This is similar to a water or saline enema, but magnesium-rich Epsom salt is said to be more effective at relaxing bowel muscles and relieving constipation.
- Sodium phosphate. This is a common over-the-counter enema that works by irritating your rectum, causing it to expand and release waste.
- Lemon juice. Lemon juice mixed with warm, filtered water is said to balance the pH of your body while cleansing your colon.
- Apple cider vinegar. Advocates say that mixing apple cider vinegar with warm, filtered water can quickly clear the bowel and may have other antiviral healing effects on your digestive system.
- Soap suds. Adding castile soap, or another mild soap with minimal additives, to water mildly irritates the bowel, which encourages the rapid excretion of stool.
Retention enemas
Retention enemas are designed to be held in your bowel for an extended period — usually a minimum of 15 minutes — before being released. Retention enemas may be water- or oil-based, which softens the stool and makes it easier for your body to expel.
Some of the most common retention enemas include (5, 6, 7):
- Coffee. Coffee enemas are a mixture of brewed, caffeinated coffee and water thought to promote bile removal from the colon. They were popularized by Max Gerson, a physician who used them to help treat people with cancer.
- Mineral oil. This type of enema works primarily by lubricating waste inside of your colon, sealing it with water, and promoting its removal.
- Probiotic. Mixing probiotics with water may cleanse your bowel while helping colonize your good gut bacteria. Lactobacillus reuteri enemas have been shown to reduce inflammation in children with ulcerative colitis.
- Herbal. Some people use herbs like garlic, catnip tea, or red raspberry leaf mixed with water to make herbal enemas with purported nutritional, infection-fighting, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Summary
Enemas are rectal injections of fluid that are intended to cleanse your bowel or treat chronic constipation. The two main types — cleansing and retention enemas — come in a variety of solutions and can be injected at home.
Enemas can treat constipation and clear out your bowel. However, many people choose to use enemas for other purported health benefits (8, 9).
Some advocates claim that enemas can support weight loss, remove toxins and heavy metals from your body, and improve your skin, immunity, blood pressure, and energy levels.
Still, evidence is limited to suggest that enemas are effective for these purposes or that they benefit everyone who uses them. Most evidence in support of their effectiveness is anecdotal, despite their widespread use in modern medicine (10).
Enemas appear to be most effective when used to relieve chronic constipation in a medical setting, though they come with many risks, especially when self-administered at home (11, 12).
Summary
Enemas can be effective in cleansing the bowel and treating chronic constipation, but most evidence in their favor is anecdotal rather than science based.
Though enemas can clean out your bowel, you should consider their risks and take certain precautions before using one.
May interrupt your body’s natural balances
Enemas may disturb your gut bacteria and throw off your body’s electrolyte balance.
Research shows that enemas used in preparation for medical procedures significantly disrupt gut bacteria, though the effect appears to be temporary. However, enemas that are split and administered in two doses seem to have fewer effects on the microbiome (13, 14).
Electrolyte disturbances have been observed with various types of enemas, such as large-volume soap suds enemas and those containing minerals.
For instance, there have been reports of Epsom salt enemas causing death from magnesium overdose. In another case, an older man died from severe electrolyte disruption caused by taking two sodium phosphate enemas (3, 15, 16).
Other reports note that the overuse of enemas to flush out the colon may lead to severe dehydration, which can be fatal (17).
Enema solutions can harm your bowel
Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and coffee enemas are highly acidic, and scientific evidence to suggest their effectiveness or safety is lacking.
What’s more, the evidence shows that their acidity and makeup can harm your bowel and lead to rectal burns, inflammation, infections, and even death (1).
Similarly, there are reports of children being given acidic hydrogen peroxide enemas, which resulted in an inflamed colon, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and long-term complications (18).
Furthermore, in some people, herbal enemas have caused internal bleeding that required a blood transfusion and removal of the colon (1).
Dirty or improperly used tools can cause infection and damage
If you self-administer an enema at home, it’s critical to make sure that the tools you use are sterile, meaning they’re free of harmful germs. The use of dirty tools increases your risk of contracting a potentially dangerous infection.
Improper tool use may also cause physical damage to your rectum, anus, or colon. Studies indicate that perforation of the bowel is not a rare complication of frequent enema use that could put your internal organs at risk of infection (3, 12, 19).
Sterile enema injection kits, which usually include a bucket, tubing, solution, and sometimes a bulb, can be found online or at many local drug stores. They come with directions for cleaning and safe use.
Summary
Though enemas can be safe and effective, they come with many risks, especially when administered at home. Improperly used enemas can cause potentially life-threatening physical and chemical damage to your rectum or colon.
If you’re mainly considering an enema to stimulate and clean out your digestive system, there may be other, less invasive options.
Some potential alternatives to enemas, which can promote waste excretion and bowel regularity, include (20, 21, 22, 23):
- drinking caffeinated coffee, which is known to stimulate defecation
- staying well hydrated with water
- getting regular exercise like walking, running, biking, or aerobics
- trying an over-the-counter oral laxative like magnesium
- increasing your fiber intake by eating whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
If you have severe constipation or other medical issues, speak to your medical provider to determine whether an enema would be a safe and appropriate treatment.
Summary
Less risky alternatives to enemas that can help stimulate bowel movements include staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and following a healthy, high-fiber diet.
Enemas are used to relieve constipation and cleanse the colon. Water- or oil-based solutions are injected into the bowel through your rectum to expel impacted waste.
Mild enemas like water or saline carry the least risk, but you should consult your healthcare provider before using one at home. Furthermore, ensuring the proper use of sterile injection tools is very important for safety.
Many people swear by enemas to promote regularity and prevent constipation, but evidence of their effectiveness is limited.
Other, less risky alternatives may be a better option in most cases.
Enema Constipation | Everyday Health
Some common steps in administering an enema include:
- Drink one or two glasses of water prior to the enema, as it can cause you to become dehydrated.
- Lie on your stomach with your knees pulled under you.
- Lubricate the enema tube and gently insert it into your rectum.
- If you’re using a disposable enema, gently squeeze the contents into your rectum. If you’re using an enema bag with a homemade solution, hold the bag up and allow gravity to deliver the contents.
- Once the bag is empty, remove the tube from your rectum.
- Wait in that position until you feel the need to move your bowels. You should feel a powerful urge within 2 to 10 minutes. Try to hold the enema in for at least 5 minutes to achieve maximum benefit.
Health Concerns Regarding Enemas
Because enemas can cause dehydration, overuse of enemas can create serious health problems. Use of enemas for constipation on a regular basis can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in the body called hyponatremia, in which the blood becomes diluted and its salt content becomes lower than normal. Hyponatremia can cause muscle spasms and swelling of the brain that leads to mental impairment. This is a particular concern when using enemas with plain tap water.
On the other extreme, overuse of phosphate enemas for constipation can lead to a condition called hyperphosphatemia, in which the blood levels of phosphate salts become elevated.
Be sure to consult with your doctor before using an enema, and exhaust all other possibilities first.
Learn more in the Everyday Health Digestive Health Center.
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Contrast enema | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
This information will help you prepare for your contrast enema at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK).
A contrast enema is an x-ray examination of the colon. It is done with a contrast agent such as barium or iodine solution, also called iohexol (Omnipaque ® ), with air, or a combination of the two. The contrast agent makes it easier to examine the colon during x-ray examination.
Most people need to have their colon cleansed (prepare the intestines) before a contrast enema. Please check with your healthcare provider prior to your procedure to determine what preparation you need.
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Before your procedure
If you are hospitalized before your contrast enema, your ward nurse will give you everything you need to prepare your bowels. If you are coming to the hospital from home for the contrast enema, check with your doctor about preparations. Most people need to purchase everything listed below a few days before the procedure.
- Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®). You will need 1 vial (238 g).
- Gatorade® (light in color, not red or purple). You will need 2 bottles (32 oz. (950 ml) each).
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®), 5 mg tablets. You will need 4 tablets.
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The Day Before Your Procedure
Follow the No Treatment Diet
Follow the No Treatment Diet the day before your procedure. Drink plenty of other fluids besides water, coffee, and tea. You need to get calories from these liquids so that you don’t get weak.
Can | Not allowed | |
Soups |
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Sweets |
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Drinks |
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Bowel Preparation Instructions
At 3:00 pm , take 2 bisacodyl (Dulcolax) tablets.
At 17:00:
- Divide MiraLAX into two halves. Pour half MiraLAX into each bottle of Gatorade (32 oz. (950 ml) each).
- Shake until completely mixed.
- Drink a glass (8 ounces (240 ml)) every 30 minutes until you have finished both bottles.
At 7:00 pm , take the remaining 2 bisacodyl (Dulcolax) tablets.
Instructions for eating and drinking before the procedure
- Do not eat after midnight the night before your procedure. This also applies to lozenges and chewing gum.
- Between midnight and two hours before your scheduled arrival time at the hospital, you can drink no more than 12 ounces (350 ml) of water (see picture).
- Refrain from eating and drinking two hours before your scheduled arrival time at the hospital. This also applies to water.
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Day of procedure
Things to remember
- Take only the medicines your doctor has told you to take on the morning of your procedure.
Wash them down with a few small sips of water.
What to bring
- List of medications you are taking.
- Medications for breathing problems (such as an inhaler), if needed.
- Medicines for chest pain, if you use them.
- If you have a stoma, bring an extra bag and supplies with you.
Where to Park
The MSK Garage is located on East 66 th Street between York Avenue and First Avenue. For parking pricing, call 212-639-2338.
To access the garage turn onto East 66 th Street off York Avenue. The garage is located about a quarter of a block from York Avenue, on the right (north) side of the street. A pedestrian tunnel leads from the garage to the hospital.
There are other garages located on East 69 th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue, East 67 th Street between York Avenue and First Avenue, and on East 65 th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue .
Where to go
You need to come to the MSK main building. Enter through the entrance at 425 East 67 th Street, between First Avenue and York Avenue, and take elevator A to the 2nd floor .
What to expect on the day of your procedure
When you arrive at the hospital, doctors, nurses, and other medical staff will ask you several times to spell and spell your name and date of birth. This is necessary for your safety. People with the same or similar names can have the procedure on the same day.
After you change into a hospital gown, the technologist and radiologist will talk about the procedure and answer your questions. You will be helped to lie flat on your back on the X-ray table.
You will have an x-ray of your abdomen to make sure there is no stool (feces) in your colon. The radiologist will insert a small tube into the rectum so that the contrast agent can flow into the large intestine. At this point, you may feel spasms. The radiologist will monitor the passage of the contrast agent through the colon on a monitor screen while the machine takes x-rays.
During the procedure, the top of the table may be tilted up or down and you may be assisted in different positions. This will help the contrast agent cover the entire surface of the colon.
The technologist will remove the tube from your rectum and take you to the bathroom where you can release the contrast material and air. After that, one or more x-rays will be taken. After the radiologist has reviewed all x-rays, you can leave.
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After your procedure
You can return to your normal diet and lifestyle unless your doctor or nurse tells you otherwise.
If you have been given a barium enema, your stools will be white for the next few days until all of the barium has been eliminated. Barium can cause constipation, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to help move it out of the intestines. Some people will need to take a laxative such as magnesium hydroxide or an enema to get all the barium out of the body. If your stool color does not return to normal within a few days of the barium enema, ask your doctor if you need to take a laxative.
Test results are available from your doctor after 2 business days.
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Contact Information
If you have any questions about the contrast enema, talk to your doctor, nurse, or another member of your healthcare team at the Department of Radiology. You can call them Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at 212-639-7298.
After 8:00 pm, on weekends and public holidays, call 212-639-2000 and ask the doctor on duty.
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Post about poop in childbirth: enema, attempts and shame
Now it’s time to talk about poop. Yeah, about childbirth and poop. And about the enema. Recently, in a class and in my beloved community @pregnancy, childbirth and doulas, I again heard a question about medical interventions that are definitely, absolutely, definitely not justified and not needed, and it’s just worth abandoning them immediately and forever.
I usually think that if someone decides to share responsibility for their childbirth with a doctor and / or midwife, then they will make decisions about the use of certain interventions together, focusing on the situation and trusting each other.
And now, I remembered about one (actually, two more – even shaving) procedure, which is absolutely definitely not justified in any way, is sometimes considered within the framework of obstetric aggression and is not used at all in modern maternity hospitals. It’s an enema!
The Huffington Post included enema in the list of “8 wild birth practices from the distant past” and I am glad that more and more maternity hospitals in Moscow refuse this practice and support a woman’s desire to live childbirth without a routine bowel cleansing. At the same time, one can still hear many explanations for the obligatory setting of an enema upon admission to the emergency department of the maternity hospital.
What do the proponents of the birth enema say? (and this is a MYTH)
- The enema will make the birth canal “clean”
- If the stool is passed during the pushing, it can cause an infection in the baby or mother
- After the enema there will be more room for the baby to come out
- Labor will be shorter after the cleansing bowels
- No need to poop after childbirth when the perineum is swollen or stitched
- Enema is good for health
- Crapping around in childbirth is a great shame and completely indecent, especially since respected people will be nearby
What do modern scientific studies say?
Unambiguous – NO.
4 randomized controlled trials and 1900+ women have helped scientists find that enema during labor (during labor, huh) has no positive effect. Does not reduce infections in children, does not increase women’s satisfaction with childbirth, and may increase the likelihood of rectal inflammation in women.
In 2013, a review was published in the Cochrane Collaboration, which drew a line and finally discredited the need for enema in childbirth. And in 2014, the same article appeared on the official website of the World Health Organization.
Colon cleansing in childbirth is regarded as an outdated and useless procedure that, at best, does not bring the desired results. That is, childbirth does not become shorter, and the number of infections does not decrease. On the contrary, it may increase the risk of inflammatory processes in the rectum.
What do women say?
Here, I have to say a huge thank you to the mothers in one gated community who boldly and candidly spoke about their experience with the enema in childbirth.
THANK YOU, WOMEN!
In fact, there are mothers for whom doing an enema is a favorite and familiar procedure. And they don’t understand at all why there is suddenly so much unrest on the topic of some kind of Esmarch’s mug. And there are just confident and calm women for whom enema and other rituals in childbirth are just part of the path to meeting the long-awaited baby. Think – procedure! I did it and moved on, does anyone even worry about it?
“I wanted a child so much that I was not afraid of anything. No pain, no discharge, no anything else. Well, except perhaps death. It would be undesirable to die during childbirth.”
“I was so afraid of this terrible word” enema “, and when it was done in the maternity hospital, there was a feeling of such lightness that I would gladly do this once a month during pregnancy))”
“I was so glad that my water broke and soon everything will happen, that I went to the enema as if it were a holiday.
But actually, yes, some people are worried.
“I was shocked when I found out about the enema. I read mostly literature for pregnant women in French. In France, they don’t do an enema before childbirth, they don’t shave. You come, give birth and leave the next day…”
The three most common things to worry about
The very idea of doing an enema and pouring something into yourself seems terrible (for example, thanks to childhood experience of living in a family where assistance with bowel movements was almost a family tradition)
“Even in the first weeks of pregnancy, I realized that I was afraid of two things – death in childbirth and an enema, I don’t even know which one is stronger. I immediately faint) Until the age of 6, my parents abused this device, intoxication and a week are really better for me do not go to the toilet than an enema (“
The very idea of doing an enema with the help of a complete stranger, who still has a lot to do and little time, seems terrible , because it is completely incomprehensible how to relax and allow the procedure to be carried out.